The Blackwater Bossing wrapped up their 2024 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Governor’s Cup campaign in emphatic style, securing a dominant 139-118 win against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Monday, September 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While the victory may not have been enough to propel them into the playoffs, it was a fitting end to the season, particularly due to the standout performance of their star import, George King.
All hail George King! He is the ArenaPlus BPG! #PBAAngatAngLaban #PBAS49GovsCupROSvsBWB pic.twitter.com/6kD7jZlmSg
— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 23, 2024
George King put on a show for the ages, scoring an astonishing 64 points, the highest in almost a decade in the PBA. King’s explosive performance wasn’t just about scoring, though—he also hauled in 13 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the floor. His shooting was nothing short of exceptional, hitting 20-of-20 from the free-throw line and 18-of-35 from the field.
This remarkable performance set a new franchise record for Blackwater, eclipsing the 55 points previously set by Troy Williams in last season’s Governor’s Cup. King's 64-point outburst also stands as one of the highest-scoring games in the PBA in recent memory, with the last comparable performance being Al Thornton’s 69-point explosion for the NLEX Road Warriors against the San Miguel Beermen in 2016.
“I found out. I don’t know if a lot of people can say they scored 64. A lot of guys walking on the face of the earth can’t say they scored 64 in a professional basketball game. Essentially, there is no pressure,” King said in a post-game interview.
King’s statement reflects his mindset going into the game. Blackwater was already eliminated from quarterfinal contention, giving the 30-year-old import the freedom to take risks and play without the constraints of playoff pressure.
“I know that I’m probably going to play 40 minutes tonight, let’s see what I’m made of. I told myself that. I had like a look-in-the-mirror moment before the game,” he continued.
King’s determination to make the most of the situation led to his historic night. While some might think of the game as insignificant due to Blackwater’s position in the standings, for King, it was an opportunity to leave his mark on the league and the team.
As the game progressed, King’s confidence and determination grew. He wasn’t just content with breaking the Blackwater franchise record—he had his eyes set on something even bigger. King openly shared that he was chasing the legendary 100-point milestone set by NBA icon Wilt Chamberlain, a feat that has remained untouched in professional basketball.
“I was shooting for 100. After the game, I want to be holding up a piece of paper with three digits on it like Wilt Chamberlain,” King said, referencing the famous photograph of Chamberlain holding a sheet of paper with "100" written on it after his historic performance in 1962.
While King fell short of the 100-point mark, his mindset resonated with fans and players alike. “They say, ‘Shoot for the stars, you end up on the moon,’ right? Even if you miss, you might just end up on the moon. You're still in outer space, you’re still out of the earth, which is a tough place to get,” King reflected after the game.
King’s ambition and his ability to deliver under those circumstances have made him a standout figure in the PBA’s 2024 Governor’s Cup. While he didn’t achieve his 100-point dream, his 64-point performance will go down in Blackwater history, and it solidifies his place among the league’s top imports.
Despite King’s heroics, Blackwater’s season came to an end with a 5-5 win-loss record, leaving them just outside the quarterfinals. The NLEX Road Warriors claimed the final playoff spot in Group B, edging out Blackwater due to a superior quotient. However, Blackwater’s win over Rain or Shine showed their potential and ability to compete with the top teams in the league.
King’s 64-point game capped off a strong individual season, with his performance against the San Miguel Beermen just two days earlier also garnering attention. In that game, King scored 49 points to lead Blackwater to a 111-94 victory, signaling his ability to take over games and carry his team to victory.
While King may have fallen short of his 100-point goal, Blackwater fans and PBA enthusiasts will remember this season for his dominant play and his fearless approach on the court.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, entered the game with a 7-3 record and were already set for the playoffs. While the loss didn’t affect their position at the top of Group B, it did serve as a reminder that no team is safe in the PBA, and even eliminated teams like Blackwater can pose a serious threat on any given night.
George King’s 64-point performance is likely to remain one of the most talked-about individual performances in PBA history. What makes King’s effort even more impressive is the way he carried his team despite having no immediate playoff aspirations. His performance transcended the scoreboard, showing that individual brilliance can still shine, even when the stakes seem low.
His journey through the PBA is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the game. Despite Blackwater’s elimination, King approached every game with the mindset of giving his best effort.
His impact on Blackwater cannot be overstated. King brought energy, scoring, and leadership to a team that has struggled in past seasons, and his influence will likely carry over into future PBA campaigns. He has set the bar high for future imports, showing that even in the absence of playoff pressure, every game can be an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
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